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The methods for decocting herbs vary: some require decocting a single principal herb first, then adding the remaining herbs; some require decocting multiple herbs first, then decocting a single herb last; some use the decoction of one herb to decoct other herbs; some are decocted separately first and then combined; some should be decocted longer (this applies to all tonifying formulas); some should be decocted briefly (this applies to all dispersing formulas); some require less water; some do not need decoction but only soaking; some should be left exposed overnight after decoction; some require strong fire; some require gentle fire. Each method has its subtle rationale and cannot be arbitrarily changed. Nowadays, regardless of the herbs, people only use strong fire and long decoction times, causing the aromatic qi to dissipate completely, leaving only a thick consistency. It is like distilling liquor; if the lees are boiled for too long, the liquor aroma will be entirely lost, how can it then harmonize Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi)? One must carefully study the decoction methods established by the ancients, ensuring each herb is treated appropriately, so that therapeutic effects will be achieved more swiftly.

There are also rules for taking medicine. Ancient prescriptions divided one dose into three servings, taken three times a day; there were also cases of taking medicine three times during the day and three times at night. Once the medicinal taste enters the mouth, it immediately circulates through the meridians, expelling pathogenic factors and supporting healthy qi. Its action ceases once its potency is exhausted; how can interruptions be tolerated? Modern people take medicine only once a day, with prolonged illness and brief treatment, which is akin to "exposing it for one day and freezing it for ten days" (inconsistent effort). Furthermore, improper regulation of cold and heat, incorrect timing in morning and evening, mixing with food, or exertion/exposure to wind immediately after taking medicine not only fails to help but may cause harm. Regarding Shanghan (Cold Damage) and external conditions such as smallpox, the disease status changes frequently within a day. If one dose is taken in the morning and another the next evening, with an interval of two days and nights, the pathogens have already transmitted through the meridians, and the disease severity increases. Additionally, dispersing formulas must be taken while keeping warm and covered to induce sweating, allowing pathogens to disperse through sweat; if sweating is not induced, how can external pathogens be eliminated internally? These are elementary principles that both physicians and patients should know. Moreover, toxic herbs should not be used lightly. In ancient times, Shennong tasted numerous herbs to compile the Bencao (Materia Medica), thus deeply understanding their properties. Contemporary physicians should also carefully distinguish the flavor and nature of rarely used herbs to avoid misuse. Merely hearing about a herb without tasting it oneself, and failing to carefully examine ancient usage methods, yet rashly administering large doses, causes patients immense suffering, and even death, while the physician remains ignorant of the cause. If every herb were tasted personally, no one would dare to recklessly test them on humans. This is also something one must know.